The NS Warm Line has shut down

The Shelburne County Mental Health & Wellness Association is expecting to dissolve in early 2025.  As a result, the NS Warm Line has been shut down.  We encourage callers to seek alternative support lines. 

• Peer Support Nova Scotia is available (toll free) at 1-800-307-1686.  Hours are currently Wednesdays to Fridays, from 5-11pm, and Saturdays and Sundays, from 11am to 11pm. 

• Mental Health & Addictions also has a variety of completely free online tools that you can access for mild to moderate mental health concerns. 

• If you have concerns for your mental health that need more than a conversation or two, you should contact the Nova Scotia Health Mental Health & Addictions Intake line (toll free) at 1-855-922-1122.  Hours are Mondays to Fridays, from 8:30am to 4:30pm; Tuesdays until 8pm.  You are able to leave a voicemail on weekends.  All calls are answered by trained social workers who will listen to your concerns and guide you toward the most appropriate help for your needs.  Expect your call to last at least 30 minutes or more.  

• If you feel you are in crisis, then please call 911, or reach out to the Provincial Mental Health & Addictions Crisis Line (toll free) at 1-888-429-8167.  It is available 24/7.

• Kids Help Phone is another option (not just for kids, by the way) - also available 24/7, you can call (toll free) 1-800-668-6868, or text CONNECT to 686868.  

• 988: Crisis Suicide Helpline is also available by dialing 988.

We are grateful that you have trusted us to offer short-term emotional support these past few years, and wish you continued growth, encouragement and strength as you continue your journey.  

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What does this mean for senior safety calls?

A Friendly Voice is slowly taking over our calls out to seniors around Nova Scotia.  This transition will be complete by the end of December 2024.  A Friendly Voice is an Ottawa-based service that has expanded into Atlantic Canada.  It is a free, confidential "warm line" for older adults aged 55 and above.  It's a welcoming space where you can freely connect with a caring individual without expectations of judgment.  Whether you're struggling with loneliness or simply looking to stay socially healthy and add some connection to your routine, they are here to lend an empathetic ear and engage in delightful conversations.  

People from around Nova Scotia are more than welcome to volunteer with A Friendly Voice to speak with seniors who need some connection.  

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Here are some other senior-specific resources to consider:

• Seniors Connect NS - just launched in May 2024.  It is a free, phone-based recreation program (any type of phone is fine). We have a program calendar tailored to the interests of older adults which can include trivia, storytelling, wellness presentations, educational lectures, music, and interactive games. Please note - this is a pilot project that is currently only available in Shelburne, Queens, Lunenburg  and Inverness Counties, as well as HRM.  It will be running until April 2025.  

• The Red Cross offers a Friendly Calls program -  it matches people over the age of 18 with trained Red Cross personnel who connect with them regularly to check-in, provide emotional support, encourage healthy coping strategies, and suggest well-being resources and community connections to other existing services.

• The Province of NS has a Positive Aging Directory, full of senior-specific resources.  

• And 211 Nova Scotia is a great place to visit (or call) to find out about local resources, supports, organizations and more!